Buying a home hasn’t exactly felt “easy” the last few years.
The past few years have seen intense competition, high prices, and “better luck next time” bidding wars.
But now, things are shifting.
While we’re not in a full-blown buyer’s market just yet, inventory is up, competition is cooling, and sellers (and even builders) are making moves to attract serious buyers.
Here are five signs the market is turning, and why now might be the time to start (or restart) your home search.
1. Sellers Are Actually Offering Help
Remember when sellers wouldn’t even look at your offer unless it was over asking and waived every contingency? Those days are fading.
In early 2025, 44% of home sellers offered concessions, including things like covering closing costs, mortgage-rate buydowns, or money for repairs, according to Redfin. That’s just shy of the all-time high, and it reflects the reality of today’s market: sellers have more competition and buyers have more power.
If you’re thinking about making an offer, don’t be shy. Ask for the support you need.
2. Down Payments Are Shrinking
According to another Redfin report, the typical down payment dropped to 1% lower than last year, marking the first annual decline in nearly two years.
This isn’t a huge drop, and the average remains around 15% of the purchase price ($62,468). But the report also found that more buyers are using FHA and VA loans with lower requirements, and many are simply choosing more affordable homes to manage monthly costs.
This shift makes homeownership more accessible, especially for first-time buyers.
3. Builders Are Cutting Prices to Attract Buyers
If you’re looking at new construction, you could have room to negotiate.
In June 2025, 37% of homebuilders reported price cuts, according to the National Association of Home Builders. That’s the highest percentage since NAHB began tracking monthly in 2022. On top of that, 62% of builders are using sales incentives like rate buydowns or free upgrades to sweeten the deal.
With builder confidence dipping and inventory piling up, they’re far more willing to work with today’s buyers, especially those ready to move.
4. There Are More Homes to Choose From
After years of inventory shortages, the number of active listings is finally on the rise.
A new report from Realtor.com shows U.S. inventory surpassed one million listings, a 31.5% jump year over year and the highest level since 2019. More homes on the market means less competition, more negotiating power, and a better chance of finding the right fit, without the frenzy.
While inventory hasn’t fully returned to pre-pandemic levels, the tide is turning. And that means an opportunity for patient buyers.
5. Investors Are Selling at Record Levels
You know those homes that used to be snapped up by cash-heavy investors? They’re starting to come back on the market.
In 2024, 10.8% of all homes sold were sold by investors, the highest rate ever recorded by Realtor.com. Whether due to cooling rents or shifting market dynamics, more investor-owned properties are being listed, especially in the lower-priced segments where many first-time buyers are shopping.
That means less competition from investors and more inventory for everyday buyers.
Final Thoughts: It Might Be Time to Revisit Your Search
We’re not saying it’s the perfect market. But for the first time in a long time, buyers actually have options—and leverage.
If you pressed pause on your search, it may be worth pressing play again. More homes, fewer bidding wars, shrinking down payments, and motivated sellers are changing the game.
And if you're curious what that looks like in your neighborhood, let’s connect. The right opportunity might already be waiting.
